CCS Patient Assessment & Documentation 3

Question 1

Which auscultatory finding is best described as a high-pitched, scratchy sound heard best at the left sternal border with the patient leaning forward?

Accepted Answer

Pericardial friction rub

Answer

A pericardial friction rub is a pathognomonic sign of pericarditis, heard as a scratchy, leathery sound at the left sternal border.

Question 2

A 65-year-old patient with a history of CAD rates chest pain as 7/10 with diaphoresis and radiation to the left jaw. The MOST urgent documentation action is:

Accepted Answer

Document time of symptom onset and notify the provider immediately

Answer

Time of symptom onset is critical for reperfusion decision-making in ACS; immediate provider notification follows per STEMI protocols.

Question 3

The New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification places a patient who is comfortable at rest but experiences symptoms with less than ordinary activity in which class?

Accepted Answer

Class III

Answer

NYHA Class III describes marked limitation of physical activity, with symptoms occurring with less-than-ordinary effort but comfort at rest.

Question 4

When assessing peripheral pulses in a patient with suspected peripheral arterial disease, which scale is used to document pulse quality?

Accepted Answer

0 to 4+ scale

Answer

Peripheral pulses are graded on a 0 to 4+ scale where 0 = absent, 1+ = diminished, 2+ = normal, 3+ = bounding, and 4+ = aneurysmal.

Question 5

A patient's ankle-brachial index (ABI) is documented as 0.55. What does this value indicate?

Accepted Answer

Severe peripheral arterial disease

Answer

An ABI of 0.55 (below 0.70) indicates severe PAD with significantly reduced arterial flow to the lower extremities.

(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test

(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test

CCS Patient Assessment & Documentation 3